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Ontario Protecting Communities by Enhancing Policing in Elgin-Middlesex-London

September 29, 2025

Nearly $3.2 million will go to Aylmer, St. Thomas, and London Police Services to help fight crime and keep people safe

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON — Three Police Services across Elgin-Middlesex-London will receive funding as part of the Ontario government’s more than $91 million investment to help protect families and communities across the province. The funding is being delivered through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program and will be used to support projects addressing gun and gang related violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, hate-motivated crimes, mental health and addictions, and commercial/retail theft.

“These investments will directly support the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “From helping students in Aylmer stay safe and supported, to expanding community policing in St. Thomas, and strengthening downtown safety in London, ensures our police services have the resources they need to protect families, build trust, and strengthen public safety.”

Aylmer Police Service will receive $28,104.47 to support their Values, Influences and Peers/School Resource Officer and their Mental Health Crisis Response Team. The Enhanced VIP/SRO Program will update school programming on cyberbullying, online safety, and mental health with a dedicated School Resource Officer. The new Mental Health Crisis Response Team, made up of one officer and one clinician, will co-respond to calls and provide follow-up support for the growing number of mental health incidents in Aylmer.

“This funding will strengthen our ability to support the well-being of students and respond to mental health crises in our community. It will allow us to work more closely with schools, families, and local partners to proactively address the challenges facing youth and those in crisis, ensuring timely, compassionate, and effective support,” said Aylmer Police Chief Kyle Johnston. He continued, “[w]e are committed to using this investment to continue building a safer, healthier Aylmer for everyone.”

St. Thomas Police Service will receive $262,308.40 to support Project CONNECT: Community Officers, Navigating Needs, Engagement, Care and Trust. This will provide two essential roles within the service. One Community Mobilization Officer (CMO) and one Special Constable will be assigned to the Community Response Unit (CRU). The CMO will strengthen connections with the community, promote trust, and support crime prevention, while the Special Constable will focus on non-core duties, particularly with vulnerable populations, allowing sworn officers to concentrate on core law enforcement. Together, these roles expand the service’s proactive approach and enhance community safety.

St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp said “[t]his vital investment will enhance our ability to address the increasing public safety pressures facing our community. It will allow us to work even more closely with our community partners to proactively identify and respond to local risks, helping to prevent crime and reduce victimization before it occurs. He added, “[w]e are committed to using this funding to continue building a safer, stronger St. Thomas for all.”

London Police Service will receive funding for two distinct projects. $2,391,406.86 will go towards sustaining and enhancing the Community Foot Patrol Unit, which addresses challenges downtown such as open drug use, property crimes, and personal offenses. This unit will conduct high-visibility patrols, deescalate conflicts, and connect residents to shelters and addiction services, building trust and support in the community. The second project will receive $500,000 to establish a Community Policing Touch Point at CF Masonville Place. This visible, approachable hub will enhance safety, reduce crime, and improve police accessibility while fostering public engagement and optimizing resources in a high-traffic area.

“With this funding, we are enhancing what works and introducing new approaches”, said London Police Chief, Thai Truong. “Our Foot Patrol officers will continue addressing crime and connecting vulnerable people to supports specifically in Downtown, Midtown and Old East Village while the new Community Policing Centre at CF Masonville Place will make it easier for Londoners to access police services, report incidents, and engage directly with our members.”

These local projects are just a few examples of 127 projects being funded across the province for 2025-26. Of the 127 projects, 88 projects will address local priorities, and 39 projects will address provincial priorities, including gun and gang related violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, mental health and addictions, hate-motivated crime, housing and homelessness, and commercial/retail theft.

“Our government is delivering on our promise to protect Ontario and keep communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this funding, we are helping to build safer communities by ensuring Ontario’s police services have the resources they need to address local issues and improve the well-being of the people they serve.”

The Community Safety and Policing Grant Program supports policing initiatives that focus on local or provincial priorities and provides eligible police services/boards and municipalities policed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with funding to deploy front-line officers where and when they are needed most.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Community Safety and Policing (CSP) Grant Program helps police services and the OPP address local and provincial priorities, including violent crime, sexual violence, human trafficking, hate crimes, mental health, addictions, and theft.
  • In 2025-26, the government is investing $91 million to fund 127 projects across Ontario.
  • Elgin-Middlesex-London funding highlights:
    • Aylmer Police Service – $28,104.47: Enhanced school programs and a Mental Health Crisis Response Team.
    • St. Thomas Police Service – $262,308.40: Project CONNECT, improving community engagement and support for vulnerable populations.
    • London Police Service – $2,391,406.86: Community Foot Patrol Unit downtown; $500,000 for a Community Policing Touch Point at CF Masonville Place.

MEDIA CONTACT
Emily Bradshaw
Office of Rob Flack, MPP
emily.bradshaw@pc.ola.org